Journal file photoHoboken is encouraging citizens to shop from local businesses.

Hoboken is encouraging customers to shop at small businesses throughout the Mile Square City.

On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 - the day after Black Friday - American Express is offering its cardholders a one-time credit of $25 if they register an eligible card and make a purchase of at least $25 at a small business on Small Business Saturday.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer encouraged people to turn to the city's small businesses on Nov. 26 and on other days for their holiday shopping needs.

“I urge our community to support our small, independent businesses this holiday season and year-round,” said Zimmer in a statement. “They are the backbone of our local economy and part of what makes Hoboken so vibrant and unique."

To facilitate local shopping, the city's Parking Utility is offering small businesses $100 worth of "Park-and-Shop" customer parking coupons. These coupons - which come in denominations of $2, $4, $8 and $12 - allow customers to park in municipal garages and get a discount on their parking fee by inserting the coupon after their ticket.

The city is also encouraging business owners and employees to park in garages to free up on-street parking for customers. Business permit holders can purchase “Merchant Coupons” to park in municipal garages for $5 per 12 hour period, which is $3 cheaper than feeding a meter for 8 hours (which the city notes is also illegal).

Also, the city offers a free business parking permit that only permits the discounted parking in municipal garages as an alternative to the $200 permit that also allows on-street parking. More than 100 business owners and employees have already signed up for the free parking permit option.